One of the most compelling features coming in Funcom's The Secret World is the way that characters will progress. In a new developer diary focused on the freeform progression system, MMORPG.com has partnered with Funcom to give our readers the first details about how exactly it will work. Read on!

The swarm of abilities makes up the Ability Wheel, and organizes each of them into helpful groups. These main groups are Ranged, Melee and Magic. They divide further into Assault Rifles, Pistols, Shotguns, Blades, Hammers, Fists, Elementalism, Chaos Magic and Blood Magic. All abilities in the wheel are tied to one of these nine weapon groups, and each weapon offers a wide array of different play styles and tactics.